Dear Families,

Hope you all had a bit of a breather over the school holidays! Term 2 has kicked off at full speed (as it always does), and there’s already been plenty happening around the school!

We started the term with ANZAC Day students across all year levels engaged with the meaning behind the day. We had real soldiers’ uniforms on display, some stunning artwork created, and some really thoughtful classroom discussions. I want to thank Jessica Thorp and Beau Cassidy and their families for their Support on Friday. On behalf of the school Jess and Beau laid a wreath at the Shepparton service. Well done to both of them for representing us with such respect.

The sliming has begun! We’ve already raised over $12,000, which is just incredible—thank you to everyone who’s set up a profile or chipped in. So far, Kade, Peyton and Kyle from our support staff have taken one for the team and ended up absolutely covered in Slime this week. I heard a rumour that Mr. Fraser is in the firing line if we crack $15K. So if you want to see that happen, get those donations in!

The actual Fun Run event is happening this Friday at Victoria Park Lake.

Also, a big welcome back to our Year Threes, who’ve just returned from a cracking time at Billabong Ranch. They packed heaps into their camp—horse riding, archery, mini golf, disc golf. They have come back tired but happy! Huge thanks to the staff who gave up time with their own families to head off on camp. It’s a big commitment and one we really appreciate.

That’s about it from me this fortnight. Thanks again for everything you do to support the school!

Thanks,

Gary Darma | Principal

Inviting new families to come and explore Bourchier Street Primary School on a guided tour with our Principal Team!

See our facilities, learn about our programs, and experience what makes our school special.

We can't wait to meet you and show you around!

Year 3 students went to Billabong Ranch for their very first school camp!

They spent 2 nights away from home, building independence, making and consolidating friendships, and developing their teamwork, confidence and thinking skills through all the various activities.

While at the ranch, students went on a horse trail ride, went on a dam in pedal boats and kayaks, had a go at mini-golf, bouldering and archery and got to go on a bungee trampoline! After learning how to use a lasso themselves, students were then 'rounded-up' with the lassos during a round of tag, by the teachers and camp supervisors. The students loved patting and feeding the range of animals at the ranch, going for walks and using the playgrounds, and having a go at orienteering (using a compass) and a low ropes course.

The food was really yummy, with the lasagne, chips and salad and chicken schnitzel, gravy and veges being the two main meals of the stay. Delicious!

The teachers loved seeing all the kids getting along, trying new things and having a great time on their first camp - the teachers also appreciated the students nodding off at a reasonable hour so we were all nice and refreshed each day.

Thank you to Kerri and all the Billabong Randh staff for another enjoyable stay.

Parents welcome down at Victoria Park Lake from 1pm to 2.30pm!

STUDENTS TO WEAR HOUSE COLOURS AND BRING A HEALTHY LUNCH AND A DRINK.

NO CANTEEN ON FRIDAY.

Get ready to put on your running shoes, and join us for an exhilarating event that promises fun, fitness, and community – the School Fun Run!

The event aims to promote health, wellness, and community spirit while having an absolute blast!

This will be our major fundraiser for the year!

Sign up at funrun.com.au today to get involved!

Get ready to make memories with your kids, while they run, laugh, and enjoy the day with their classmates! Then we will return to school for the assembly

Please note: Change of date - Thursday 8th of May 2025

Click the link to RSVP for catering purposes https://forms.gle/5NaX18Y7yHEidrch8

After breakfast, mums/special person are warmly invited to stay and read with their child in the classroom.

Do It for Dolly Day is a national day of kindness, held in memory of Dolly Everett, a young girl who tragically took her own life after experiencing bullying. This day is a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness, respect, and speaking up for those who may be struggling. At our school, we’re encouraging everyone to look out for one another, share kindness freely, and help create a culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued.

You can check the latest issue out online now

bc_3-25_issuu.pdf

You can order through loop or send you order form into the office in an envelope with the correct money. Please remember to include your child’s name and class.

We look forward to students joining in the National Walk to School Day. They will receive a drink & a piece of fruit on arrival to school.

Walking offers numerous benefits for children, encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being. It promotes cardiovascular health, strengthens bones and muscles, and enhances cognitive function. Walking also reduces stress and anxiety, boosts mood, and provides opportunities for social interaction and environmental exploration.

Enjoy delicious homemade baking with a different treat every week!

Check Newsletter and FB each week for our yummy specials. Order via QKR app under snacks.

Free Playgroup at Bourchier Street – Everyone’s Welcome!

Come along to our free playgroup, held every Wednesday of the school term from 9:15am to 11:00am.

It’s a relaxed and friendly space with tea and coffee provided, and it’s run by the Shepparton Council with our lovely facilitator Syeda, who makes everyone feel welcome.

The playgroup is open to children aged 0–5 and their families — mums, dads, grandparents, carers — everyone’s welcome! Bring the kids along to make new friends and enjoy a fun morning of art and craft, educational play, block building, with story and rhyme time to finish the session.

If you wish to use any portion of the $400 SSB on Camps or Excursions, please note that you must go into the SSB Portal and allocate the money to “Activities”. You are not selecting a specific activity at this stage, rather an amount you wish to have available to use at the school.

Excursion Levy is $100 per child

Please note: Any unspent SSB funds at 1 July 2025 will sit in your Family account for you to use when needed.

Every child is welcome to our Breakfast Program each morning from 8am to 8.45am.

If you have a NEW Health Care Card, please complete the attached CSEF form.

Families who have a HCC are eligible to claim $150 PER STUDENT for camps, excursions and swimming.

A well-balanced, nutritious lunch helps children stay focused, energized, and ready to learn throughout the day. We encourage families to pack lunches with a variety of fresh foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. A good mix of nutrients supports brain function and keeps students feeling their best.

Our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program allows devices to be brought into the school, and connected to our secure network

Our school has an online BYOD portal organised by JB-Hifi where you can access discounted rates on approved devices. The password is BSPS25

Direct Link: https://byod.jbhifi.education/auth?code=BSPS25 or scan the barcode below.

If you would like more information on the program, please visit the BYOD page on our website.

Arriving to school on time is crucial for both students and staff. It sets a positive tone for the day, ensures that you don’t miss important instructions or activities, and demonstrates respect for the school community’s time and schedule. Here are a few tips to help ensure timely arrival:

1. Prepare the night before: Lay out clothes, pack your bag, and prepare lunch the night before to avoid morning delays.

2. Set an alarm: This will help give you ample time to get ready and commute to school.

3. Stay organized: Keep track of your schedule and any special activities or events that might require you to arrive earlier than usual.

Being on time helps create a structured and efficient learning environment for everyone involved.

If a parent/guardian needs to pick up their student early from school for an appointment or any other significant reason, please notify your child’s teacher or the front office, with as much notice possible.

Often students are in a specialist program or out of the classroom, so if no notice is given it puts pressure on the office staff when trying to find students whilst answering phones and tending to sick bay.

Please be mindful as we have quite a few students leaving school early which interrupts the classroom as well as their learning time so please avoid this when possible.

Attached below is the costs of the 2025 Parent Payment Arrangements.

Excursion Levy has been increased to $100 which will include a “Major Excursion” so there will now be no extra payment requested. CSEF can be used to cover this – for those who don’t receive CSEF they can use their School Saving Bonus.

Parent payment can be made via QKR

Parent payment $220 per student

Excursion Levy $100 per student

If you have a Health Care Card and claimed CSEF, you will receive $150 credit which can be used for camps and excursions only.

The wearing of school uniform helps children develop a sense of identity with the school community.
The school uniform helps promote a positive image of both students and the school to the general community. The wearing of school uniform promotes equality.

The school uniform is to be worn during school hours, while traveling to and from school, and when the students are on school excursions.

All school uniform must be clearly named so that lost items can be identified.

Jackets and hats can be purchased from the school. Shepparton retail shops stock the entire uniform. The school endeavors to provide pre-loved items at the cheapest possible cost.

Please refer to our Student Dress Code Policy

Please ensure that your child’s, clothes, lunch box, drink bottle and property are CLEARLY named. All named property will be returned to the student in the classroom. Unnamed items will be sent to lost property in the hall foyer.

Please note that the Balaclava Road Child Care Carpark is a private carpark, please avoid parking there at all times.

When your child is absent from school, please log onto the parent portal, COMPASS and enter the absence along with the reason.

You need a username and password which has been distributed to families, but we can easily resend you the logon details by phoning or emailing the front office Bourchier.ps@education.vic.edu.au

Refer to the instructions below

Did you know Bourchier St. has an e-library?

Students are able to borrow books to read on their ipad.
You can access the e-library via the website below:

Search Bourchier St. Primary School
Visit our library
Sign in details will be your child’s cases code and the password is ebook01
Or download the App

Often Bourchier Street communicates to our families via the Compass app, important information of what is happening within the school. Sometimes you are prompted through your email to open important news items. Please make sure your email is up to date, so you do not miss valuable information. Please phone front office 58 213 488 if your email address needs updating. If your child is absent from School, please logon to Compass to document this.

Every family needs to download the Qkr! app which will enable you to pay school payments, purchase hats/jackets, order lunch through the canteen and purchase tickets for special productions etc.

Simply download on your phone and you will see how easy it is to manage!

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy and the Schools "Privacy Collection Notice below.

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy below, describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.

Bourchier Street Primary School has a zero tolerance of any form of child abuse. The school is committed to acting in children’s best interests. The safety and wellbeing of children at this school is our highest priority. We want children to be safe, happy and empowered.

Bourchier Street Policies

Email: bourchier.ps@education.vic.gov.au
Website: bourchierps.vic.edu.au
Location: 1-19 Bourchier Street, Shepparton VIC, Australia
Phone: (03) 5821 3488
Facebook: facebook.com/bourchierps
Twitter: @bourchierps